Figuring Out Lighting

Lightbulbs are devices used for producing light from electricity mostly for lighting dark areas. LED light bulbs and compact fluorescent (CFs) light bulbs are some of the commonly used light bulbs.LED is used by light bulbs which are solid-state lighting devices that are capable of fitting in standard screw-in connections. The term LED is an abbreviation for light emitting diodes which are employed to produce light in LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs to contain a diode which is a semiconductor that produces visible light once an electric current passes through it. Fluorescent bulbs filled with argon gas and a small amount of mercury are employed for use in compact fluorescent light bulbs. When an electric current pass through it, the cathode heats up sending out electrons which hit the argon and mercury. The excited mercury produces ultraviolet light (UV) which is not visible. The fluorescent lamb is coated with the phosphor which when the UV light passes through it emits visible light. Mercury is a heavy metal being utilized by CFs light bulbs and very harmful to the human health hence the CFs light bulbs are not environmentally friendly.

The energy efficiency of the LED and CFs light bulbs varies considerably with the LED light bulbs being more efficient. The LED light bulbs do not require time for warming up as they start instantly once electricity is switched on. They are manufactured out of plastic other than the most used glass making them more durable. Cold weather is not a limiting factor of LED light bulbs to work properly. LED and CFs light bulbs have the same lighting conditions although the LEDs last longer as use less energy making them cost effective.

Wattage of an LED light is not a major consideration but what should be keenly looked into is the lumen. Lumen is the real measurement of the brightness provided by a light bulb while wattage is the measurement of how much energy a light bulb draws. CFs light bulbs draw much more energy than LED light bulbs for the same number of lumens hence LEDs are more energy efficient. Other consideration when purchasing a light bulb is the color need since they have a wide color range and also where the bulb is to be used. The measurement of color temperature is kelvins and the lower the number, the yellower the color. An LED driver is key during purchase of LED light bulbs for converting the alternating current from the power supply to direct current used by the LED light bulbs.

Improved LED light bulbs have been developed with better efficiency, cost and output making them suitable for all environments. When installing LED light bulbs, compatibility with fixtures should be checked to avoid excess heat which can lead to failure or fire.